The Overlooked Hero Breaks the System

The dungeon was falling apart.

The mana suppression field was squeezing the last remnants of strength from the heroes, and the mutated undead were closing in fast. The mission had gone from training to survival.

The communication crystal flickered with static before General Aldren's voice cut through the battlefield.

"Fall back immediately! This dungeon is becoming unstable. Reinforcements are inbound."

Leon, still gripping his sword tightly, hesitated. "We can still—"

"No." Aldren's tone was final. "You've done enough. This isn't a battle you can win."

Elena let out a frustrated breath but didn't argue. Felix, ever composed, simply nodded.

As the students prepared to retreat, a voice in the background of the crystal caught Rei's attention.

It was smooth, noble, and uninterested in the battlefield.

"So these are the summoned heroes?"

Another voice—likely a knight—responded. "Yes, my lord. The commanders are still determining the most promising among them."

The noble's voice sharpened. "And the Enchanters?"

The knight hesitated. "There are a few promising ones. The nobles will discuss sponsorships once the training phase is complete."

The transmission cut off.

Rei exhaled slowly.

This confirmed everything. The kingdom wasn't just training heroes—they were selecting them.

And Enchanters, Healers, and other support-types were being evaluated separately.

If he wasn't careful, he'd end up as a noble's tool.

But right now, he had more immediate problems.

The retreat had begun. And they were still surrounded.

---

Leon, Elena, and Alan led the front lines, pushing back the monsters so the students could escape.

Felix's spirits shielded the mages, forming a protective wall that absorbed incoming attacks.

But Squad Nine—Dante, Ethan, Kai, and Rei—were struggling.

The mana suppression had drained them too fast. They could barely fight.

Rei's mind worked fast.

Now wasn't the time to hold back—now was the time to act without standing out.

---

Rei Uses His Skills to Keep Squad Nine Moving:

Basic Heal (Low-key support)

He discreetly cast weak healing spells on Ethan and Dante—just enough to keep them from collapsing, but not enough to stand out.

Their stamina returned slightly, allowing them to keep moving.

Minor Reinforcement (Quick Buffs)

For brief moments, he channeled reinforcement magic into Kai and Ethan's legs.

It lasted only a second, making it seem like they had just pushed through on their own.

Just enough to help them dodge fatal attacks.

Mana Flow Mastery (Sustaining His Squad Subtly)

While others were struggling with mana exhaustion, Rei used his naturally high regeneration to stabilize the squad.

He cast weak recovery pulses, disguising them as the lingering effects of normal healing spells.

This ensured that Dante, Ethan, and Kai didn't collapse before reaching the exit.

Everything he did looked natural.

Nothing was out of place.

But it was because of him that Squad Nine was still on their feet.

---

As they neared the dungeon entrance, the reinforcements arrived.

Knights stormed the battlefield, cutting down the remaining undead with ruthless precision.

But Rei noticed something.

A man stood near the dungeon entrance—not a knight, but a noble.

He was dressed in deep blue and silver, his posture calm and calculating.

He wasn't here to fight.

He was here to watch.

His eyes flickered toward the healers and enchanters.

And then he spoke quietly to a nearby knight before turning away.

Rei didn't need to hear what was said. He already knew.

This wasn't just about evaluating combat strength.

This was about deciding which support heroes would be recruited—or taken.

And that meant his time in the kingdom was limited.

---

The students collapsed onto the grass outside the dungeon, exhausted.

Healers rushed in, tending to injuries. Some students had mana depletion so severe they passed out immediately.

Leon sat at the edge of the camp, his fists clenched. "We should have cleared it."

Felix sighed. "You can't win every battle."

Elena muttered, "It proves we aren't strong enough yet."

Dante groaned. "If this is what dungeons are like, I hate them."

Ethan just shook his head. "We lived. That's what matters."

Kai didn't say anything, his hands still trembling slightly.

Rei sat silently, his thoughts racing.

They had escaped.

But this was just the beginning.

---

As night fell, Rei sat alone, staring at the campfire.

Felix approached.

"You're an Enchanter," Felix said casually. "But you fight like someone who's used to surviving."

Rei's expression didn't change. "I just supported my squad."

Felix didn't push, but his gaze lingered. "Maybe."

A few feet away, Elena was also watching.

Not with suspicion.

But with interest.

Rei exhaled, looking away.

He had stayed hidden for now.

But soon, he'd have to decide his next move.